lesson 4: from circle-ometry to trigonometry
TRANSCRIPT
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
57
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Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
Student Outcomes
Students define sine and cosine as functions for degrees of rotation of the ray formed by the positive 𝑥-axis up
to one full turn.
Students use special triangles to geometrically determine the values of sine and cosine for 30, 45, 60, and
90 degrees.
Lesson Notes
In the preceding lessons, students have developed the height and co-height functions of a passenger car on a Ferris
wheel and considered the historical roots of trigonometry through developments in astronomy. From these
experiences, we extract the meaning of the sine and cosine of a number of degrees of rotation. For consistency with
their past experiences with triangle trigonometry, we need to demonstrate that our new functions of sine and cosine are
generalizations of the sine and cosine functions of an angle in a triangle studied in geometry. For this lesson confine
discussion to rotations by a number of degrees between 0 and 360. Lesson 5 extends the domain of the sine and cosine
functions to the entire real line, and Lesson 9 transitions from measuring rotation in degrees to measuring rotation in
radians. This entire lesson should be taught without using calculators.
Notating Trigonometric Functions: It is convenient, as adults, to use the notation sin2 𝑥 to refer to the value of the
square of the sine function. However, rushing too fast to this abbreviated notation for trigonometric functions leads to
incorrect understandings of how functions are manipulated, which can lead students to think that sin 𝑥 is short for
sin ⋅ 𝑥 and incorrectly divide out the variable, so that sin 𝑥
𝑥 becomes sin.
To reduce these types of common notation-driven errors later, this curriculum is very deliberate about how and when
we use abbreviated function notation for sine, cosine, and tangent:
1. In Geometry, sine, cosine, and tangent are thought of as the value of ratios of triangles, not as functions. No attempt
is made to describe the trigonometric ratios as functions on the real line. Therefore, the notation is just an
abbreviation for the sine of an angle (sin∠𝐴) or sine of an angle measure (sin 𝜃). Parentheses are used more for
grouping and clarity reasons than as symbols used to represent a function.
2. In Algebra II, to distinguish between the ratio version of sine in geometry, all sine functions are notated as functions:
sin(𝑥) is the value of the sine function for the real number 𝑥, just like 𝑓(𝑥) is the value of the function 𝑓 for the real
number 𝑥. In this course, strictly maintain parentheses as part of function notation, writing for example,
tan(𝜃) =sin(𝜃)
cos(𝜃) instead of tan 𝜃 =
sin𝜃cos𝜃
, to maintain function notation integrity. The expression (sin(𝜃))2 is
abbreviated by sin2(𝜃) in Algebra II, maintaining the use of function notation through the use of parentheses.
3. By Precalculus and Advanced Topics, students have had two full years of working with sine, cosine, and tangent as
both ratios and functions. It is finally in this year that we begin to blur the distinction between ratio and function
notations and write, for example, sin2 𝜃 as the value of the square of the sine function for the real number 𝜃, which
is how most calculus textbooks notate these functions.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
58
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Scaffolding:
Place a chart at the front of the room
showing the relationships between the
special triangles (example shown
below). Additionally, a visual of the
definitions of sin(𝜃°) and cos(𝜃°) in
terms of right triangles helps as well.
For students who may be working
above grade level, show a diagram with
a 52° angle and hypotenuse 1. Ask
them to hypothesize about the side
lengths and justify their reasoning.
Classwork
We begin the lesson with an opening exercise that requires that students find the sine and cosine of an angle in a right
triangle with given side lengths so that they recall the previous definitions of the trigonometric ratios. We need students
to recall the side lengths of the special triangles from Geometry, so that is also part of the Opening Exercise.
Opening Exercises (4 minutes)
Allow students to work in pairs or small groups to encourage recall of triangle
trigonometry from Geometry. Do not allow the use of calculators.
Opening Exercises
1. Find the lengths of the sides of the right triangles below, each of which has
hypotenuse of length 𝟏.
2. Given the following right triangle △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 with 𝒎∠𝑨 = 𝜽°, find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).
Discussion (6 minutes)
In Lessons 1 and 2 of this module, we defined the height and co-height functions for a passenger car travelling around a
Ferris wheel. The following discussion builds students’ abilities to employ MP.4 as they develop a function to model the
real-world behavior of the Ferris wheel.
What was the independent variable for these functions?
The variable was the degrees of rotation of the Ferris wheel from the horizontal reference position to its
current position.
Since cars on a Ferris wheel travel in a giant circle, can we just generalize height and co-height for movement
around any circle? How could we do that?
We can measure the vertical distance from the current point to the horizontal axis as we do on a Ferris
wheel for the height function and measure the horizontal distance from the current point to the vertical
axis for the co-height function.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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The radius of the circle doesn’t matter for our discussion since we are concerned with the degrees of rotation
of the car on the wheel. So, for simplicity we just count one radius length as our unit, and then we are working
on a circle with radius 1 unit. So, we suppose that our circle has radius 1 unit, and we put the circle on a
coordinate grid. The simplest place to put the circle is centered at the origin. What is the equation of this
circle?
The equation of the circle is 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 1.
The circle with equation 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 1 is known as the unit circle because its radius is one unit.
Just as the sun rises in the east and has an angle of elevation of 0 degrees at its easternmost point, we
consider the point furthest to the right to be our point of reference. What are the coordinates of this point on
the unit circle? How does this point relate to the Ferris wheel example from Lessons 1 and 2?
The point (1,0) is the point at the 3 o’clock position where our riders often boarded the Ferris wheel.
Consider the rotation of the initial ray, which is the ray formed by the positive 𝑥-axis, and let point 𝑃 be the
intersection of the initial ray with the unit circle. Suppose that the initial ray has been rotated 𝜃 degrees
counterclockwise around the unit circle, where 0 < 𝜃 < 90, so that point 𝑃 stays in the first quadrant.
After the rotation of the initial ray by 𝜃 degrees, let the coordinates of point 𝑃 be (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃). Let 𝑂 denote the
center (0,0) of the circle, and let 𝐸 denote the reference point (1,0). Drop a perpendicular segment from 𝑃 to
ray 𝑂𝐸⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ that intersects at point 𝑄. What are the coordinates of point 𝑄?
The coordinates of 𝑄 are (𝑥𝜃 , 0).
Scaffolding:
For students not quite ready for this level of abstraction, use
the specific point (√3
2,1
2)
instead of the generic point (𝑥, 𝑦) to make the connection between height/co-height and sine/cosine. Then skip Example 1.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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What do we know about the lengths 𝑂𝑃, 𝑂𝑄, and 𝑄𝑃?
We know that 𝑂𝑃 = 1 because this is a circle of radius 1. Also, 𝑂𝑄 = 𝑥𝜃, and 𝑄𝑃 = 𝑦𝜃 .
What are the height and co-height of point 𝑃?
The height of 𝑃 is 𝑦𝜃 , and the co-height of 𝑃 is 𝑥𝜃 .
What kind of triangle is △ 𝑂𝑄𝑃?
A right triangle with right angle at 𝑄
Using triangle trigonometry, what are sin(𝜃°) and cos(𝜃°)?
By trigonometry, sin(𝜃°) =𝑦𝜃1
= 𝑦𝜃 , and cos(𝜃°) =𝑥𝜃1
= 𝑥𝜃.
What can we conclude about the height and co-height of point 𝑃 and the sine and cosine of 𝜃 where
0 < 𝜃 < 90? In this case, the corresponding point 𝑃 is in the first quadrant.
If 0 < 𝜃 < 90, then sin(𝜃°) is the same as the height of the corresponding point 𝑃, and cos(𝜃°) is the
same as the co-height of 𝑃.
Example 1 (3 minutes)
Example 1
Suppose that point 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray through 𝟑𝟎°. Find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟎°) and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟎°).
What is the length 𝑶𝑸 of the horizontal leg
of our triangle?
By remembering the special triangles from geometry, we have 𝑶𝑸 =√𝟑𝟐
.
What is the length 𝑸𝑷 of the vertical leg of our triangle?
Either by the Pythagorean theorem or by remembering the special triangles from Geometry, we have 𝑸𝑷 =𝟏𝟐
.
What is 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟎°)?
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟎°) =𝟏
𝟐
What is 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟎°)?
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟎°) =√𝟑
𝟐
Scaffolding:
For struggling students, provide a review of the side lengths of 30°-60°-90° and 45°-45°-90° triangles.
MP.4
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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Exercises 1–2 (4 minutes)
These exercises serve to review the special triangles from Geometry and to tie together the ideas of the height and
co-height functions and the sine and cosine functions. Have students complete these exercises in pairs.
Exercises 1–2
1. Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray through 𝟒𝟓°. Find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟒𝟓°) and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟒𝟓°).
We have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟒𝟓°) =√𝟐𝟐
and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟒𝟓°) =√𝟐𝟐
.
2. Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray through 𝟔𝟎°. Find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟔𝟎°) and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟔𝟎°).
We have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟔𝟎°) =√𝟑𝟐
and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟔𝟎°) =𝟏𝟐
.
Discussion (3 minutes)
Remember that sine and cosine are functions of the number of degrees of rotation of the initial horizontal ray
moving counterclockwise about the origin. So far, we have only made sense of sine and cosine for degrees of
rotation between 0 and 90, but the Ferris wheel doesn’t just rotate 90° and then stop; it continues going
around the full circle. How can we extend our ideas about sine and cosine to any counterclockwise rotation up
to 360°?
Solicit ideas from the class. Guide them to realize that since the height and co-height functions are
defined on all points of the circle, we can define sine and cosine for any number of degrees of rotation
around the circle.
Example 2 (3 minutes)
For this example, consider asking students to develop conjectures for sin(150°) and cos(150°) and to justify these
conjectures with words or diagrams. This is an opportunity to build students’ abilities with MP.3.
Example 2
Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray through 𝟏𝟓𝟎°. Find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟓𝟎°) and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟓𝟎°).
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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Scaffolding:
To provide support with the term reference angle, have students create a graphic organizer in which they divide the page into four quadrants, draw a unit circle in the 1
st
quadrant with the terminal ray in Quadrant I, draw a unit circle in the 2
nd quadrant with the
terminal ray in Quadrant II, etc. Have students shade in the interior of the reference angles in all four cases before proceeding.
Notice that the 150° angle formed by 𝑂𝑃⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ and 𝑂𝐸⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ is exterior to the right triangle △ 𝑃𝑂𝑄. Angle 𝑃𝑂𝑄 is the reference
angle for rotation by 150°. We can use symmetry and the fact that we know the sine and cosine ratios of 30° to find the
values of the sine and cosine functions for 150 degrees of rotation.
What are the coordinates (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃) of point 𝑃?
Using symmetry, we see that the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is the same as it was for a 30° rotation but that the
𝑥-coordinate is the opposite sign as it was for a 30° rotation. Thus (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃) = (−√32
,12).
What is sin(150°)?
sin(150°) =12
What is cos(150°)?
cos(150°) = −√32
Discussion (8 minutes)
In general if we rotate the initial ray through more than 90°, then the reference
angle is the acute angle formed by the terminal ray and the 𝑥-axis. In the
following diagrams, the measure of the reference angle is denoted by 𝜙, the
Greek letter phi. Let’s start with the case where the terminal ray is rotated into
the second quadrant.
If 90 < 𝜃 < 180, then the terminal ray of the rotation by 𝜃° lies in the second quadrant. The reference angle
formed by the terminal ray and the 𝑥-axis has measure 𝜙° and is shaded in green in the figure on the right
above. How does 𝜙 relate to 𝜃?
𝜙 = 180 − 𝜃
If we let 𝑄 be the foot of the perpendicular from 𝑃 to the 𝑥-axis, then △ 𝑂𝑃𝑄 is
a right triangle. How can we find the lengths 𝑂𝑄 and 𝑃𝑄?
We can use triangle trigonometry: 𝑂𝑄 = cos(𝜙°), and 𝑃𝑄 = sin(𝜙°).
Scaffolding:
For students not quite ready for this level of abstraction, use 𝜃 = 135 for this discussion instead of a generic number 𝜃.
MP.3
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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How can we use these lengths to find the coordinates of point 𝑃?
Since the 𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is negative, and 𝑂 is the origin, then the
𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is −𝑂𝑄 = −cos(𝜙°). Since the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is positive, then the 𝑦-coordinate
of 𝑃 is 𝑃𝑄 = sin(𝜙°).
Ask students the following question to summarize these results: If 90 < 𝜃 < 180, then rotation by 𝜃 degrees
places 𝑃 in the second quadrant, with reference angle of measure 𝜙 degrees. Then what are the values of
cos(𝜃°) and sin(𝜃°)?
cos(𝜃°) = −cos(𝜙°)
sin(𝜃°) = sin(𝜙°)
For example, what is cos(135°)?
cos(135°) = − cos(45°) = −√22
What is sin(135°)?
sin(135°) = sin(45°) =√22
Ask students to turn to their neighbor or partner and summarize the main points of the previous discussion. Ask for a
volunteer to present their summary to the class.
The sine and cosine of a degree measure that rotates point 𝑃 outside of the first quadrant can be found
by looking at the sine and cosine of the measure of the reference angle. We can find coordinates of
point 𝑃 by looking at the sine and cosine for the measure of the reference angle and then assign
negative signs where the coordinate would be negative.
Assign half of the class to work on the case when the terminal ray is located in the third quadrant and the other half to
work on the case when the terminal ray is located in the fourth quadrant, or lead the whole class in a discussion for
these cases. In either case, be sure to summarize the results for the remaining two quadrants.
In the diagram below, 180 < 𝜃 < 270, so that point 𝑃 is in the third quadrant. Then, we know that both the
𝑥-coordinate and 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 are negative.
If 180 < 𝜃 < 270, then the terminal ray of the rotation by 𝜃° lies in the third quadrant. The reference angle
formed by the terminal ray and the 𝑥-axis has measure 𝜙° and is shaded in green in the figure on the right
above. How does 𝜙 relate to 𝜃?
𝜙 = 𝜃 − 180
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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If we let 𝑄 be the foot of the perpendicular from 𝑃 to the 𝑥-axis, then △ 𝑂𝑃𝑄 is a right triangle. How can we
find the lengths 𝑂𝑄 and 𝑃𝑄?
We can use triangle trigonometry: 𝑂𝑄 = cos(𝜙°) and 𝑃𝑄 = sin(𝜙°).
How can we use these lengths to find the coordinates of point 𝑃?
Since the 𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is negative, and 𝑂 is the origin, then the 𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is
−𝑂𝑄 = −cos(𝜙°). Since the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is also negative, then the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is
−𝑃𝑄 = −sin(𝜙°).
Ask students the following question to summarize these results: If 180 < 𝜃 < 270, then rotation by 𝜃 degrees
places 𝑃 in the third quadrant, with reference angle of measure 𝜙. Then what are the values of cos(𝜃°) and
sin(𝜃°)?
cos(𝜃°) = −cos(𝜙°)
sin(𝜃°) = −sin(𝜙°)
For example, what is cos(225°)?
cos(225°) = − cos(45°) = −√22
What is sin(225°)?
sin(225°) = −sin(45°) = −√22
In the diagram below, 270 < 𝜃 < 360, so that point 𝑃 is in the fourth quadrant. Then, we know that both the
𝑥-coordinate and 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 are negative.
If 270 < 𝜃 < 360, then the terminal ray of the rotation by 𝜃° lies in the fourth quadrant. The reference angle
formed by the terminal ray and the 𝑥-axis has measure 𝜙° and is shaded in green in the figure on the right
above. How does 𝜙 relate to 𝜃?
𝜙 = 360 − 𝜃
Again, if we let 𝑄 be the foot of the perpendicular from 𝑃 to the 𝑥-axis, then △ 𝑂𝑃𝑄 is a right triangle.
How can we use the lengths 𝑂𝑄 and 𝑃𝑄 to find the coordinates of point 𝑃?
Since the 𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is positive, and 𝑂 is the origin, then the
𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃 is 𝑂𝑄 = cos(𝜙°). Since the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is
negative, then the 𝑦-coordinate of 𝑃 is −𝑃𝑄 = −sin(𝜙°).
Scaffolding:
For students not quite ready for this level of abstraction, use 𝜃 = 225 for this discussion instead of a generic number 𝜃.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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Ask students the following question to summarize these results: If 270 < 𝜃 < 360, then rotation by 𝜃 degrees
places 𝑃 in the fourth quadrant, with reference angle of measure 𝜙 degrees. Then what are the values of
cos(𝜃°) and sin(𝜃°)?
cos(𝜃°) = cos(𝜙°)
sin(𝜃°) = −sin(𝜙°)
For example, what is cos(315°)?
cos(315°) = cos(45°) =√22
What is sin(315°)?
sin(315°) = −sin(45°) = −√22
What we have just concluded is very important. We have just extended the definitions of sine and cosine from
Geometry to almost any number of degrees of rotation between 0 and 360, when they were previously only defined for
0 < 𝜃 < 90. Lesson 5 extends the domain of the sine and cosine even further by exploring what happens if 𝜃 > 360
and what happens if 𝜃 ≤ 0.
Discussion (2 minutes)
Ask students to discuss the following question with their neighbor. After a minute of discussion, lead students in
completing the diagram below to indicate the positive and negative signs of the sine and cosine functions in the four
quadrants of the coordinate plane.
How do you know whether cos(𝜃°) and sin(𝜃°) are positive or negative in each quadrant?
Discussion
Exercises 3–5 (4 minutes)
These exercises serve to extend our working definition of sine and cosine from 0 < 𝜃 < 90 to most numbers of degrees
of rotation 𝜃 such that 0 < 𝜃 < 360. Have students complete these exercises in pairs while the teacher circulates
around the room and models as necessary.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
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Exercises 3–5
3. Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray counterclockwise through 𝟏𝟐𝟎
degrees. Find the measure of the reference angle for 𝟏𝟐𝟎°, and then find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟐𝟎°).
The measure of the reference angle for 𝟏𝟐𝟎° is 𝟔𝟎°, and 𝑷 is in Quadrant II. We have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) =√𝟑𝟐
and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) = −𝟏𝟐
.
4. Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray counterclockwise through 𝟐𝟒𝟎°.
Find the measure of the reference angle for 𝟐𝟒𝟎°, and then find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝟒𝟎°).
The measure of the reference angle for 𝟐𝟒𝟎° is 𝟔𝟎°, and 𝑷 is in Quadrant III. We have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) = −√𝟑𝟐
and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) = −𝟏𝟐
.
5. Suppose that 𝑷 is the point on the unit circle obtained by rotating the initial ray counterclockwise through 𝟑𝟑𝟎
degrees. Find the measure of the reference angle for 𝟑𝟑𝟎°, and then find 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟑𝟎°).
The measure of the reference angle for 𝟑𝟑𝟎° is 𝟑𝟎°, and 𝑷 is in Quadrant IV. We have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) = −𝟏𝟐
and
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) =√𝟑𝟐
.
Discussion (2 minutes)
We have now made sense of the sine and cosine functions nearly all values of theta with 0 < 𝜃 < 360, where
𝜃 is measured in degrees. In the next lesson, we extend the domains of these two functions even further, so
that they are be defined for any real number 𝜃.
The values of the sine and cosine functions at rotations of 30, 45, and 60 degrees and multiples of these
rotations come up often in trigonometry. The diagram below summarizes the coordinates of these commonly
referenced points.
Discussion
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
67
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Use the diagram to find cos(120°).
−12
Use the diagram to find sin(300°).
−√32
Closing (2 minutes)
Ask students to summarize the important parts of the lesson, either in writing, to a partner, or as a class. Use this as an
opportunity to informally assess understanding of the lesson. The following are some important summary elements:
Exit Ticket (4 minutes)
Lesson Summary
In this lesson we formalized the idea of the height and co-height of a Ferris wheel and defined the sine and cosine
functions that give the 𝒙- and 𝒚-coordinates of the intersection of the unit circle and the initial ray rotated through
𝜽 degrees, for most values of 𝜽 with 𝟎 < 𝜽 < 𝟑𝟔𝟎.
The value of 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) is the 𝒙-coordinate of the intersection point of the terminal ray and the unit circle.
The value of 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) is the 𝒚-coordinate of the intersection point of the terminal ray and the unit circle.
The sine and cosine functions have domain of all real numbers and range [−𝟏, 𝟏].
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
68
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Name Date
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
Exit Ticket
1. How did we define the sine function for a number of degrees of rotation 𝜃, where 0 < 𝜃 < 360?
2. Explain how to find the value of sin(210°) without using a calculator.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
69
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Exit Ticket Sample Solutions
1. How did we define the sine function for a number of degrees of rotation 𝜽, where 𝟎 < 𝜽 < 𝟑𝟔𝟎?
First we rotate the initial ray counterclockwise through 𝜽 degrees and find the intersection of the terminal ray with
the unit circle. This intersection is point 𝑷. The 𝒚-coordinate of point 𝑷 is the value of 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°).
2. Explain how to find the value of 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝟏𝟎°) without using a calculator.
The reference angle for and angle of measure 𝟐𝟏𝟎° has measure 𝟑𝟎°, and a rotation by 𝟐𝟏𝟎° counterclockwise
places the terminal ray in the 3rd quadrant, where both coordinates of the intersection point 𝑷 are negative.
So, 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝟏𝟎°) = −𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝟎°) = −𝟏𝟐
.
Problem Set Sample Solutions
1. Fill in the chart. Write in the reference angles and the values of the sine and cosine functions for the indicated
values of 𝜽.
Amount of rotation,
𝜽, in degrees
Measure of Reference
Angle, in degrees 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝟔𝟎 −𝟏
𝟐
√𝟑
𝟐
𝟏𝟑𝟓 𝟒𝟓 −√𝟐
𝟐
√𝟐
𝟐
𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝟑𝟎 −√𝟑
𝟐
𝟏
𝟐
𝟐𝟐𝟓 𝟒𝟓 −√𝟐
𝟐 −
√𝟐
𝟐
𝟐𝟒𝟎 𝟔𝟎 −𝟏
𝟐 −
√𝟑
𝟐
𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟔𝟎 𝟏
𝟐 −
√𝟑
𝟐
𝟑𝟑𝟎 𝟑𝟎 √𝟑
𝟐 −
𝟏
𝟐
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
70
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2. Using geometry, Jennifer correctly calculated that 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟓°) =𝟏𝟐√𝟐 − √𝟑 . Based on this information, fill in the
chart.
Amount of rotation,
𝜽, in degrees
Measure of Reference
Angle, in degrees 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
𝟏𝟓 𝟏𝟓 𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 + √𝟑
𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 − √𝟑
𝟏𝟔𝟓 𝟏𝟓 −𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 + √𝟑
𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 − √𝟑
𝟏𝟗𝟓 𝟏𝟓 −𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 + √𝟑 −
𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 − √𝟑
𝟑𝟒𝟓 𝟏𝟓 𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 + √𝟑 −
𝟏
𝟐√𝟐 − √𝟑
3. Suppose 𝟎 < 𝜽 < 𝟗𝟎 and 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) =𝟏
√𝟑. What is the value of 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)?
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) =√𝟔
𝟑
4. Suppose 𝟗𝟎 < 𝜽 < 𝟏𝟖𝟎 and 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) =𝟏
√𝟑. What is the value of 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)?
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = −√𝟔
𝟑
5. If 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = −𝟏
√𝟓, what are two possible values of 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)?
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) =𝟐
√𝟓 or 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = −
𝟐√𝟓
6. Johnny rotated the initial ray through 𝜽 degrees, found the intersection of the terminal ray with the unit circle, and
calculated that 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = √𝟐. Ernesto insists that Johnny made a mistake in his calculation. Explain why Ernesto is
correct.
Johnny must have made a mistake since the sine of a number cannot be greater than 𝟏.
7. If 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝟎. 𝟓, and we know that 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) < 𝟎, then what is the smallest possible positive value of 𝜽?
𝟏𝟓𝟎
8. The vertices of △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 have coordinates 𝑨(𝟎, 𝟎), 𝑩(𝟏𝟐, 𝟓), and 𝑪(𝟏𝟐, 𝟎).
a. Argue that △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 is a right triangle.
Clearly 𝑨𝑪̅̅ ̅̅ is horizontal and 𝑩𝑪̅̅ ̅̅ is vertical, so △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 is a right triangle.
b. What are the coordinates where the hypotenuse of △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 intersects the unit circle 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏?
Using similar triangles, the hypotenuse intersects the unit circle at (𝟏𝟐𝟏𝟑
,𝟓𝟏𝟑
).
c. Let 𝜽 denote the number of degrees of rotation from 𝑨𝑪⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ to 𝑨𝑩⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . Calculate 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).
By the answer to part (b), 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) =𝟓𝟏𝟑
, and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) =𝟏𝟐𝟏𝟑
.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM M2 Lesson 4
ALGEBRA II
Lesson 4: From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
71
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9. The vertices of △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 have coordinates 𝑨(𝟎, 𝟎), 𝑩(𝟒, 𝟑), and 𝑪(𝟒, 𝟎). The vertices of △ 𝑨𝑫𝑬 are 𝑨(𝟎, 𝟎), 𝑫(𝟑, 𝟒),
and 𝑬(𝟑, 𝟎).
a. Argue that △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 is a right triangle.
Clearly 𝑨𝑪̅̅ ̅̅ is horizontal and 𝑩𝑪̅̅ ̅̅ is vertical, so △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 is a right triangle.
b. What are the coordinates where the hypotenuse of △ 𝑨𝑩𝑪 intersects the unit circle 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏?
Using similar triangles, the hypotenuse intersects the unit circle at (𝟒𝟓,𝟑𝟓).
c. Let 𝜽 denote the number of degrees of rotation from 𝑨𝑪⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ to 𝑨𝑩⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . Calculate 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).
By the answer to part (b), 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) =𝟑𝟓, and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) =
𝟒𝟓
.
d. Argue that △ 𝑨𝑫𝑬 is a right triangle.
Since 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒃𝟐 = 𝒄𝟐, the converse of the Pythagorean theorem guarantees that △ 𝑨𝑫𝑬 is a right triangle.
e. What are the coordinates where the hypotenuse of △ 𝑨𝑫𝑬 intersects the unit circle 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏?
Using similar triangles, the hypotenuse intersects the unit circle at (𝟑𝟓,𝟒𝟓).
f. Let 𝝓 denote the number of degrees of rotation from 𝑨𝑬⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ to 𝑨𝑫⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . Calculate 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝝓°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝝓°).
By the answer to part (e), 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝝓°) =𝟒𝟓
, and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝝓°) =𝟑𝟓
.
g. What is the relation between the sine and cosine of 𝜽 and the sine and cosine of 𝝓?
We find that 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝝓°) =𝟒𝟓
= 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°), and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝝓°) =𝟑𝟓
= 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°).
10. Use a diagram to explain why 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟑𝟓°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟒𝟓°), but 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟑𝟓°) ≠ 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟒𝟓°).
Let 𝑶 be the center of the circle, let 𝑷 and 𝑹 be the points where the terminal rays of rotation by 𝟏𝟑𝟓° and 𝟒𝟓°, and
let 𝑸 and 𝑺 be the feet of the perpendicular lines from 𝑷 and 𝑹 to the 𝒙-axis, respectively. Then △ 𝑶𝑷𝑸 and △ 𝑶𝑹𝑺
are both isosceles right triangles with hypotenuses of length 𝟏, so they are congruent. Thus, 𝑷𝑸 = 𝑹𝑺, and
𝑶𝑸 = 𝑶𝑺. Let the coordinates of 𝑷 and 𝑹 be (𝒙𝑷, 𝒚𝑷) and (𝒙𝑹, 𝒚𝑹). Then 𝒙𝑷 = −𝑶𝑸 = −𝑶𝑹 = −𝒙𝑹, and
𝒚𝑷 = 𝑷𝑸 = 𝑹𝑺 = 𝒚𝑸. Then we have 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟑𝟓°) = −𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟒𝟓°), and 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟏𝟑𝟓°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟒𝟓°).